Abe Connally

Resting comfortably in Southwest Texas along the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park provides a glimpse into America's geological and evolutionary past. Mine shafts abandoned long ago and dilapidated dwellings whisper echoes of the taming of the Wild West. Just a quick perusal of the terrain, however, informs the viewer that the land was never fully tamed. Th e sparse vegetation, rugged rock formations, and ancient lava flows have left many at a loss for words ever since settlers and explorers

Lately, more and more people are turning to star gazing as a hobby and as a recreational activity. Is this a reaction to increased light pollution given off by cities that seem to become busier by the day? Or is it simply a desire to engage in a peaceful pursuit that is as awe-inspiring as it is relaxing? Whatever the reason, one would be hard pressed to find a more suitable location from which to view the cosmos than in Big Bend and the surrounding area.

Big Bend National Park maintains the distinction of being the largest tract of public land in the state of Texas. Encompassing 1,200 square miles of terrain in the untamed Chihuahuan Desert, one might expect Big Bend to be a drab, interminable wasteland, but it is actually a region of contrasts. Rancherías Canyon in nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park exemplifies the diversity of the area quite well.

When considering what material to use for a floor, few people look beyond a concrete slab, with something like tile or carpet as a finish. For us, however, there were several factors that made a stabilized compressed earth brick (SCEB) floor far more appealing, including cost, skill, and time required.

If you want to start your plants indoors weeks before you can put them into the ground, soil blocks is the way to go.

Gazing out at the barren, baked landscape of the southwestern Texas desert, visitors to the Big Bend region may not expect a thriving population of plants and animals to be nestled inside the cracks and crevices of the volcanic rock that comprise much of the terrain. A closer inspection of the area quickly reveals that this is not the case, as interesting flora and fauna are discovered, vegetation and wildlife that survive the arid heat of the day and the deadly cold of the desert night.

Vacationing together really brings family members closer to one another by offering shared experiences that tighten the bonds and are simply fun for everyone. Of course, the usual haunts such as Disneyworld, Myrtle Beach, and Washington, D.C. are fine, but when planning a family trip, why not step outside of the norm and consider something a little more off the beaten path?

Big Bend is one of the most remote areas of the lower 48 states. Because of this, it can be hard to visit, unless you have a good idea of how to get here and how to get around once you are here. Traveling to the Big Bend can be part of your adventure, but that excitement soon fades if you haven't planned your route well.

Big Bend offers many activities for your family, from sightseeing and hiking to river running and birding. You can choose from comfortable lodging and eateries to outback wilderness adventures. Many activities can be done at a leisurely pace, and others can be done with the aid of fully trained guides and professionals.

The Big Bend region of Texas offers visitors more than a million acres of public lands, including the largest state park in Texas. The area boasts amazing sights, activities and destinations. Let's take a look at some of the most popular visitor spots in Big Bend.